Microsoft Issues Statement Regarding Yahoo! — Microsoft announced that it is continuing to explore and pursue its alternatives to improve and expand its online services and advertising business. — REDMOND, Wash. — May 18, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today issued the following statement:

Microsoft To Buy Just Yahoo's Search Business? — Will Microsoft now just buy Yahoo's search business instead of the whole company? — Ah, what are weekends for? — Why, announcing another non-deal deal-this time, sources said, is related to search-in the Microsoft-Yahoo takeover pas de deux, of course!

In Reversal, Microsoft Proposes New Deal to Yahoo — Microsoft has proposed a complex new deal with Yahoo that would involve collaboration between their online advertising businesses but would not involve a full takeover, Microsoft said on Sunday. — Microsoft released a brief statement …

Why Google News has no noise — I'm a noise junkie. I used to be a news junkie, but I've hung out with the world's top journalists enough now to see that the good ones are noise junkies. They are the types that head into a crowded party and listen to pitch after pitch (noise) …

Survey: One-fifth of Americans have never used e-mail — The digital divide is apparently alive and well. — About 20 percent of all U.S. heads-of-household have never sent an e-mail, and about 20 million households, or 18 percent, are without Internet access, according to a study released earlier this week.

The Hyperconnected vs. 84% of Everyone Else on Earth — Two studies that crossed my screen tonight here in London point to a widening digital divide. I am not referring to the gap between those who are online and everyone else. The gulf I am addressing here is between those who are fully engaged with the web and, well, Earth.

I Hate to be Rude But... I don't want to join Boxbe, Spock or Diigo or, for that matter, any of the social network/knowledge-sharing/e- mail services that people have been nice enough to extend invitations recently. — It's good to be asked but there's already enough social stuff on my plate …

Observations on Twitterdom — Twitter and tweeting are rapidly becoming part of the lexicon, at least among the digerati who have discovered the jouissance of followers and following. Twitter hasn't unleashed a unique technology, but an inspired broadcast pivot on existing messaging models.

Kevin Johnson's letter on updated online strategy — As Microsoft returns to the table with Yahoo for a deal that might include Yahoo's search business, Windows and Windows Live chief Kevin Johnson sent this letter updating his team on an updated online and advertising strategy.

Bill's Gold Watch — Bill Gates is sure taking his sweet time retiring. While he is busy hyping yet another Microsoft research project to the CEO Summit, Google has vaulted several huge steps ahead in the cloud infrastructure battle with Friend Connect. Mike Arrington's audience …

China allows bloggers, others to spread quake news — BEIJING (AP) — Almost nonstop, the uncensored opinions of Chinese citizens are popping up online, sent by text and instant message across a country shaken by its worst earthquake in three decades. — “Why were most of those killed …